Isaac French, a hospitality developer and Instagram sensation, shares his inspiring journey from bookkeeper to the creator of Live Oak Lake, a viral Nordic-inspired micro resort in Texas. He reveals how he achieved 95% occupancy in its first year and sold it for $1 million per key. Isaac discusses overcoming hurdles like construction challenges and an Airbnb suspension, along with strategies for direct bookings and harnessing social media. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in crafting unforgettable guest experiences and navigating the complexities of cabin camp development.
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Isaac's Start-Up Journey
Isaac French started with just $19,000 and a vision to create a Nordic-inspired cabin village in Texas.
Despite early setbacks, including a suspension on Airbnb, he built Live Oak Lake into a $1 million per key property.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Injury Amid Construction
Isaac broke his pelvis during construction but remained committed, working on crutches through recovery.
Despite injuries and long hours, he persevered to complete the project.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Leverage Giveaways for Growth
Use targeted giveaways with local influencers to grow direct bookings and social media followers.
A small $950 investment led to $40,000 in bookings and thousands of followers in one week.
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The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect
Will Guidara
In 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' Will Guidara shares his experiences as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park and The NoMad, highlighting the importance of hospitality in any business. The book emphasizes that simply offering a great product is not enough; organizations must also focus on creating authentic connections and memorable experiences for both customers and employees. Guidara provides practical advice on setting expectations, managing teams, and adapting to unexpected situations, all while maintaining a commitment to hospitality that goes beyond mere service. His approach is applicable across various industries, not just limited to restaurants and luxury businesses.
On this week’s episode, Avery is joined by Isaac French, a creative powerhouse who went from bookkeeper to hospitality developer and Instagram sensation. Isaac shares the remarkable journey behind Live Oak Lake, a Nordic-inspired micro resort he designed and built from scratch in Texas—achieving 95% occupancy in year one and ultimately selling to an institutional buyer for $1 million per key. He discusses the challenges of construction, overcoming an Airbnb suspension, and the science behind direct bookings and social media growth. Isaac also dives deep into experience-driven design, micro resort feasibility, and the power of storytelling in creating unforgettable guest experiences.
For more information on how to get into short term rentals, read Avery’s books:
Smarter Short Term Rentals - Buy it on Amazon Short-Term Rental, Long-Term Wealth: Your Guide to Analyzing, Buying, and Managing Vacation Properties – Buy it on Amazon
The Short Term Show 
